Mercedes-Benz E-Class W213 vs Peugeot 508 W23

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

W213 · 2016 – 2023

The fifth-generation E-Class on the MRA platform.

Peugeot 508

W23 · 2010 – 2018

The first 508 (W23), an executive saloon/estate on PF3.

First car

Second car

Pick this one if…

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Pick the E-Class for space, comfort and efficient engines in a premium executive sedan.

Best engine: The E 220 d (diesel) or E 200 (petrol) — the sweet spot.

Read the full guide

Pick this one if…

Peugeot 508

Pick the W23 for an affordable, comfortable executive 508 with a roomy boot.

Best engine: The 2.0 HDi (diesel) or 1.6 THP (petrol) — post-2014 facelift.

Read the full guide

Performance

M274 E 200 · Petrol vs 1.6 THP 165 · Petrol

	Mercedes-Benz E-Class	Peugeot 508
Power	184 hp Winner	165 hp
Torque	300 Nm Winner	240 Nm
0–100 km/h	7,7 s Winner	8,5 s
Top speed	240 km/h Winner	220 km/h
Power-to-weight	114,6 hp/t Winner	111,5 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	138 g/km Winner	150 g/km
Consumption (WLTP)	5,9 L/100km Winner	6,5 L/100km

Dimensions & space

	Mercedes-Benz E-Class	Peugeot 508
Boot	540 L	545 L Winner
Boot (seats folded)	—	1.500 L
Wheelbase	2,94 m Winner	2,82 m
Length	4,92 m	4,79 m
Ground clearance	13,0 cm	—
Turning circle	11,6 m	11,2 m Winner
Towing capacity (braked)	2.100 kg Winner	1.600 kg

Powertrain & tech

	Mercedes-Benz E-Class	Peugeot 508
Platform	MRA (rear-wheel-drive base)	PF3
Drive	Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive
Engine family	M274/M264 petrol · OM654 diesel · plug-in hybrid	1.6 VTi/THP petrol · 1.6/2.0/2.2 HDi diesel
Transmission	9-speed 9G-TRONIC	6-speed manual
Fuel	Petrol	Petrol
Euro standard	Euro 6d-TEMP	Euro 5
LEZ access	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)

Reliability & watch-outs

Known issues

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Early OM654 diesel: rocker arm / camshaft concerns
9G-TRONIC: fluid changes recommended earlier than official intervals
AIRMATIC air suspension can leak at high mileage
Electronics/software: MBUX and driver-aid glitches (mostly fixed via updates)

Peugeot 508

1.6 THP: timing chain and tensioner
HDi: DPF/EGR and turbo at high mileage
2.2 HDi: bi-turbo needs checking

Pros

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

540 L boot (Estate: 640–670 L) — roomy for an executive sedan
Efficient OM654 2.0 diesel (E 220 d: 194 hp / 400 Nm, ~4.6 L/100 km)
MRA rear-wheel-drive platform with optional 4MATIC
E 300 e PHEV: 320 hp system output and 700 Nm, company-car friendly

Peugeot 508

Roomy boot (especially SW)
Comfortable
Affordable used

Cons

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

OM654 diesel: AdBlue/DPF watch-points with lots of short trips
PHEV (E 300 e) shrinks boot space
Complex electronics and air suspension need dealer maintenance

Peugeot 508

1.6 THP carries timing-chain risk
Conventional styling

Driving experience

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Serene, isolating and effortlessly luxurious. Steering is light and accurate, the ride hushed and composed, and the E-Class swallows motorway miles without a trace of stress. 4MATIC adds all-weather security, though the character stays comfort-first rather than sporting. AIRMATIC air suspension, where fitted, irons out rough roads beautifully. The petrols are smooth and eager with 48-volt assistance, the OM654/OM656 diesels pull strongly and stay quiet, and the E 300 e plug-in glides on electric power. The 9G-Tronic shifts seamlessly, rarely drawing attention to itself. Overall a calm, tech-rich executive saloon built for distance, not drama.

Peugeot 508

The W23 is the 508 that replaced the 407 with a more settled, comfortable feel. Built on the PF3 platform, it stays reasonably light for its size, so the front axle turns in cleanly and the long wheelbase keeps it planted and calm on the motorway. The conventional driving position is easy to live with, and most versions ride on a comfort-tuned rear that irons out broken tarmac. The 1.6 THP is eager, the 2.0 HDi pulls strongly and quietly, and the 6-speed automatic shifts smoothly when working correctly. It is a comfortable, easy saloon, not a sporty one.